We talk a lot about considering each program’s mission statement, philosophies, and values when choosing where you want to submit applications. However, we have only touched on writing your personal mission statement to guide you as you apply to Physician Assistant (PA) programs.
The new year, when you are already thinking about your goals, is a great time to put that idea into practice.
“Why should I write my own mission statement?”
There are more than 300 ARC-PA-accredited PA programs in the United States. There are also many reasons someone might choose to apply to one school over another: location, cost, curriculum, prerequisites, and rank are frequently discussed in PA forums and subreddits. But sometimes, the talk turns a bit existential as applicants ponder which schools will provide the best education for their individual needs and goals.
Even if you already know exactly where you are applying, writing your own mission statement can also help you with the essay portions of both the CASPA and supplemental applications. Thinking about what matters to you will help you tailor and focus your essays.
Nobody has to see what you come up with, so strive for authenticity and openness, and don’t worry about perfection.
Here are some valuable tips for writing your own mission statement.
Reflect on your values:
What are your core values? These don’t necessarily have to be related to practicing medicine. There are a variety of values worksheets and exercises online that are pulled directly from a few different psychotherapy modalities. These can help you drill down to the core of your values. Then, think of examples of how you are already living those values.
What are your goals?
Take those values and funnel them into goals. Think of values like a compass that keeps you pointed in the desired direction. Goals, on the other hand, are something you aim for and then check off. For instance, helping others is a value, and becoming a PA is a goal. So, what are your goals beyond graduating from PA school? Is there a specific type of medicine that aligns with your values and intrigues you? Do you want to work in academia? In leadership positions? Don’t sell yourself short here – just because something seems far off doesn’t mean it's not worth including in your decisions.
What are your strengths?
Think less of medical knowledge here and more about what you bring to the fabric of your future cohort. Do you thrive in teamwork, communication skills, adaptability, or resilience? Or do you have something even more unique to offer?
How will all these facts and truths make you the best PA you can be?
Here is where you take all your reflection and put it together to tell the story of you. Look at your list of values, goals, and strengths and consider how those might inform your journey to PA school and beyond. What values, goals, and strengths might tie into medicine in ways you didn’t expect?
No two mission statements will be the same; even your own may change over time.
Your mission statement is your personal guide through the sometimes-murky application process. You can use it as a source of inspiration when there are setbacks – an invaluable tool to remind you of why you started this journey in the first place.
The Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog presents information based on the experiences of Duke PA Program staff and faculty. While the information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, requirements can change. Please visit the Duke PA Program website for the most up-to-date information.